Brenda Tuhaise, a 27-year-old woman from Uganda, tragically passed away after returning home from Saudi Arabia, where she had worked as a housemaid for three years.
In Uganda, women who travel to the Middle East to work as housemaids are commonly referred to as “Kadamas.”
Brenda had traveled to Saudi Arabia with the hope of saving money to build a better future. The work was challenging, but she persevered, dedicating herself to her job every day.
She sent most of her earnings to her parents in Kampala, trusting them to safeguard her money. Her dream was to return to Uganda and use her savings to start a small business.
Tragically, her dream was never realized.
Upon her return to Uganda, Brenda was devastated to discover that all her savings had been spent. Her parents had used the money without her knowledge or permission. She had placed her full trust in them, but they had spent everything she had worked so hard to earn. Brenda was left with nothing.
This betrayal shattered her spirit. She felt deeply hurt and hopeless. Having endured tough conditions in Saudi Arabia, she now had nothing to show for her sacrifices.
Friends and neighbors noticed that Brenda seemed very sad and exhausted, but no one fully understood the depth of her pain.
One night, Brenda locked herself in her small rented room in Mukono. In her despair, she swallowed approximately 50 tablets in an attempt to end her life. She had not shared her intentions with anyone.
After not seeing her for several hours, her neighbors grew concerned. They knocked on her door, but there was no response. Worried, they forced the door open and found her unconscious.
Brenda was immediately rushed to a nearby clinic, but despite efforts to save her, it was too late. She was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. Medical reports confirmed that her death was caused by an intentional drug overdose.
Her passing has left many in Uganda in shock and grief. Friends, neighbors, and even strangers have taken to social media to express their sorrow and anger over the circumstances surrounding her death.
Brenda was remembered as a quiet, respectful, and hardworking young woman. Her story has highlighted the challenges faced by many Kadamas who return home after working abroad.
Her death has sparked calls for better support and protection for migrant workers like Brenda, who often face significant hardships both abroad and upon their return.
Brenda’s life was marked by sacrifice and resilience. Her tragic death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how trust can be broken and dreams can be shattered.
